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Kieran Scannell of Grand Marais, a senior at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire, has been named one of more than 3,000 candidates in the 2013 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

Kieran is the son of Lynn Swanson and Tim Scannell of Grand Marais. Scannell was also a Cook County Viking athlete before transferring to Phillips Exeter. This year, he was a co-captain of the cross country team and was selected as the "most valuable player" on the Phillips Exeter team.

The candidates for the Presidential Scholars Program have been selected from nearly 3.4 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in the year 2013. Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, now in its 49th year, is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities.

Over 3,000 candidates were selected for their exceptional performance on either the College Board SAT or the ACT Assessment. In addition, each Chief State School Officer was invited to nominate three male and three female candidates, based on their outstanding scholarship, residing in the CSSO’s jurisdiction. Further consideration is based on students’ essays, self-assessments, descriptions of activities, school recommendations, and school transcripts. A distinguished panel of educators will review these submissions and select 500 semifinalists in early April.

The Commission on Presidential Scholars, is a group of up to 32 eminent citizens appointed by the President. It will make final selection of the Scholars. They will select one male and one female Scholar from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. students living abroad; 15 students at-large; and up to 20 students from the creative and performing arts. The U.S. Department of Education will announce the Scholars in May.

The Scholars will be invited to Washington, DC, for several days in June to receive the Presidential Scholars Medallion at a recognition ceremony and to participate in events and activities with their elected representatives, educators, and other leading individuals in public life.